> Those planes will likely be communicating with ATC via networked protocols that have yet to be proposed and standardized.

The protocols are not the issue, it’s the high-bandwidth, low-latency wireless network that’s missing. LEO satcom may be an option in the future, but it isn’t yet for flight and safety critical real time applications.

I just finished building a pilot information system for an airline that uses ACARS to communicate. It’s a backup system for a backup system that supports a redundant electronic flight bag tablet.